Steering mechanism for compact tractors

摘要

A compound steering mechanism for improving the turning radius of a compact tractor is disclosed wherein the front axle is pivotally mounted to the tractor chassis by upper and lower pivot joints, the lower pivot joint being transversely swingable relative to the upper pivot to accommodate a vertical oscillation of the steerable wheels mounted to the front axle. A support link mounts the lower pivot joint and fixes the longitudinal spacing thereof relative to a rear pivot joint. The lower pivot joint and the front axle oscillate about an oscillation axis passing through the upper and rear pivot joints. The front axle pivots in the direction of steering in response to the steering movement of the steerable wheels as a result of the connection of a respective tie rod interconnecting the chassis and each of the steerable wheels.